How should I respond when asked "Why are you looking for another job?" during a job interview?
I have been working as an Executive Support Officer with a company for just over 3 months and it's totally not what i expected it to be. Although I am not being treated badly, I noticed that I am being relegated to menial and tedious tasks, and that my real skills are not being utilized. I feel that I am wasting my time here and that I am not getting any professional growth or development. I am now looking for other opportunities externally. Is 3 months on the job too soon to be looking for another job? And whats' the most effective answer that I can give when asked during the job interview "why are you looking for another job"? As much as possible I don't want to say anything negative about my present place of work, but I also don't want to waste my time, as well as letting other better opportunities pass by.
PEACE2007-08-22T23:21:25Z
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Before you go for an interview for a company, do some research on the company. Discuss what you have learned about the company(its history, growth and reputation) how your personality,skills and work ethic would be useful to the companys benefit. Explain how you understand that everyone is not suited for every job position, but you are a diligent worker who gives your best at all you do and you need a company with a solid reputation for professionalism and demands the best from their employees and that those very qualities are something that you as a person represent. The fact that you have not been on the job very long does not look good. But you can be honest and tell them as you said "that your real skills are not being utilized" on your current job, because either way they are going to want you to explain for any gaps in employment ,if you do not include that job. Three months is not a long time on a job, but being unemployed for three months, you are going to have some explaining to do. It can go either way for you, but do not give anymore information than necessary, the interviewer will surmise from your responses what kind of individual that you are, and if you area good candidate for the job, all you can do is try to do your best and be sincere, not phony. Sell yourself! Good luck! and think positive!
Usually, this will have to include several elements: - is the job hourly? annually? - How good is the reference can it be? Like, what's the company repetition? What kind of experience will you gain? Will you be learning new systems? Are you going to lead a team that is comparatively smaller? Or bigger group? - What are the benefits? - If you may plan on enrolling the 401K, what's the potential for the company? Did they bid expectation last year? What's the industry trend? - The culture of the company is very important too. - Do they have mentor? Will you be able to obtain additional training? - What's the schedule? - Sometimes, you may even have to guess how interested are the interviewer in you. *** Make sure you have all the info above before you go into the interview. Negotiation is a part that can't be take out.
I totally get the underemployed thing. If you can, give it a few more months. Work up your own job description and present it to your boss, explaining that you want, and can, do more.
If you are ready to move to a new company, try something like...'While the current company is a good one, it is not the right environment for me. I am looking for a company and position that I can I learn and grow from.' Be prepared to tell the interviewer that you are willing to take a position to prove yourself because you know you are confident that the company is a good one and you can grow personally and professionally there.
The one thing I caution you with though is to not to job hop. I did it and it makes for some awkward conversation with they mention it in the job interview.
Hi Jeff, Say the truth - but also add that you are a very hard worker, who likes challenges and who likes to work under pressure. Tell them that you appreciate your present company for the opportunity, you are not fully developing your skills.
Answer like you did in here: you want something that utilizes your skills and gives you a challenge. It's corny, but in this case honesty really IS the best policy.
3 months is a little short, but if you don't like it it's time to move on.